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Student Band gives an explosive performance

By: Cassidy Smock
Photo Editor

What do seniors Chris Bencivanga, Ryan Reppert, David Crist, Jed McAtee, Jake Cholak, and Bessie Flately have in common? Together, they form the band Defenestration. Those who have seen them play are familiar with their wild sound and crazy antics, and those who haven't are missing out on a unique experience.

The band's name was bassist Dave Crist's idea. While tentatively watching the television game show "Win Ben Stine's Money" he heard the definition for "defenestration." The word is defined as a noun meaning "the act of throwing someone or something out of a window." The band thought that this was a good name because it was entertaining and somewhat rebellious, like their music.

The band is now in the process of changing their name. They recently discovered that their band name, "Defenestration," is shared with a British metal band. Like the local band,the British Defenestration has a female lead singer as well. The band thought that this was a problem, so their new name will be decided upon as soon as possible.

The specific type of music that these rockers play is controversial. Between lead guitar player and song writer Bencivanga and back up guitar player Reppert, their music is "Grind Metal/ hard-core: No-No, thrash metal," says Reppert. To get an idea of what the band sounds like, they relate their music to bands: Undying, of North Carolina, Grass Knuckles of London, England, Red Sky, a popular Edinboro band, and NoFX, a well-known punk band.

Defenestration formed in the summer of 1999. Since then, they have broken up and rejoined two times, then formed again. Their break up was because of religious issues between Bencivanga and the rest of the band, and when it came down to having a good time, or not having a good time, they opted for the obvious decision. They have been grouped for five months since then.

There have been other complications with keeping the band together. Cholak developed a lymph node as a result of being lead "screamer." The node was a bump developed around his vocal chords. Cholak was warned by his doctor that it could become a bigger problem if his screaming in Defenestration continued. After a little time off, Cholak returned to his roll as lead "screamer" in the band.

Bencivanga, Reppert, Crist, McAtee, and Cholak gather at least once a week at Bencivanga's house to practice, and all that practice has payed off. Defenestration recently performed at GM's Homecoming Game Tailgate Party. They performed four songs: "Ray Bradbury", "I Never Learned How to Ride a Bike", "High Pitched Noise and a Tooth Brush", and "Dandelion Wine". Drummer Jed McAtee's incisive rhythm with lead and back up vocals by Jake Cholak and sophomore Jason Liebel,the band pumped up the crowd and definitely got them interested.

The band is open to playing any parties or shows, the option of pay is open. They recorded for the first time on Wednesday, November 14, along with the newest member of the group, Bessie Flately, on vocals. The chemistry of Defenestration is explosive and rebellious, a definite must-see performance.